According to a notification issued by the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Department, the security deposit for the candidates contesting Sarpanch/Panch election has been reduced from Rs 1000 to Rs 100.

Similarly, for SC, ST and Women candidates, the security deposit has been slashed from Rs 500 to Rs 50, it said.

A spokesman of the Rural Development Department said it was a long-pending demand of the aspiring candidates for Sarpanch/Panch elections and would ensure greater participation in Panchayat Polls to promote a vibrant Panchayati Raj system.